It’s not uncommon for actors to dabble in singing, dancing, or vice versa. In fact, some of the biggest celebs we know are multitalented performers.
Actor in a vintage-style striped suit and hat, gazing upward with a surprised expression, standing near luggage and a train backdrop
But I bet you weren’t aware that some of the most-loved celebrities had skills unrelated to what they became famous for. For example, there’s an actor who used to be a doctor, an actress who almost made the Olympic archery team, and an athlete who now owns their own interior design firm.
Man in suit gestures while speaking on talk show; caption reads, “Where I come from, we call that talent.”
I’ve rounded up 16 celebs who fit the latter category, and I was surprised to learn a lot of these:
1.Vanilla Ice
Person in a baseball cap and graphic t-shirt at an event with WB logos in the background
You may know the rapper, whose real name is Rob Van Winkle, for his 1990 hit song “Ice Ice Baby.” However, most aren’t aware that the musician was also extremely skilled at jet ski racing — so much so that he was sponsored by Kawasaki and even ranked 6th in the 1995 Lake Havasu Jet Ski World Finals.
Person in a textured tracksuit poses with a neutral expression against a wooden backdrop
2.Hugh Laurie
Man in a tuxedo and bow tie at an event
The English actor is most known for his work in House, Blackadder, and Stuart Little, but he’s also an accomplished jazz pianist, saxophonist, guitarist, and drum player. Just take one good look at his Spotify profile and you’ll see all of his amazing work.
A musician passionately sings while playing a piano, with small flags on the instrument, under a bright stage light
3.James Cameron
Person in a suit and blue tie on a red carpet
This one’s not exactly a secret, but the writer, producer, and director is also a deep-sea explorer. He’s most known for being the first person to solo dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the ocean.
A man in a jacket stands near a ship, looking at the camera. Another person is walking away, partially visible, with the ship in the background
4.Terry Crews
A person smiling in a leather jacket with sunglasses hanging from a lanyard around their neck
When I found out that Terry Crews is a fine artist (I’m talking drawings and paintings), I was surprised. Apparently, the football player and actor has a true passion for art. He’s gone on Jimmy Kimmel to showcase his paintings and has even illustrated a cover of Ad Age Magazine.
Person standing on a balcony, flexing muscles in a white graphic t-shirt and jeans, with a serious expression. Beach scenery in background
5.Steve Martin
Person in a suit holding a ticket, smiling at the camera
The Emmy award winner is certainly known for his work in comedy shows and movies, but did you know he’s also really, really good at playing the banjo? He’s even won an instrumental Grammy for one of his songs.
Person playing a banjo, wearing a suit with a necktie, looking at the camera
6.Ken Jeong
Person in a suit jacket and jeans smiling at an outdoor event gathering
You hear about a lot of people doing a career switch, but this story is pretty unexpected. Ken Jeong practiced medicine for seven years while doing occasional comedy club shows and improv stints before he decided to act full-time. (He went on to land roles in Knocked Up, The Hangover, and Role Models.) And fun fact: Jeong still maintains his medical license and has helped with medical emergencies on set.
Person holding an MTV Movie Award for Best WTF Moment, wearing a casual black blazer and shirt, smiling in front of an awards backdrop
7.Jack Johnson
Person smiling and playing an acoustic guitar on stage during a performance
There’s no question everyone knows Jack Johnson for his hit songs, “Upside Down” and “Banana Pancakes.” Some might not know that he was also a very talented surfer. At age 14, he scored a Quiksilver sponsorship and became the youngest person to try out for the finals of the 1992 Pipeline Masters. After getting into a bad surfing accident, Johnson started to play his guitar — a hobby he’d always enjoyed but didn’t see as an actual career.
Person surfing on a wave, wearing floral-patterned shorts, balancing skillfully on a surfboard
8.Matthew Perry
Person smiling in a casual, slightly open blue shirt, standing in front of a plain backdrop
A lot of people may not know that the late Friends actor was also a nationally ranked junior tennis player for Canada. Amazingly, he earned spots in the Top 20 in singles and Top 10 in doubles before pivoting to acting full-time.
A person playing tennis, wearing a casual outfit with glasses, swings a racket during a match on an indoor court with onlookers in the background
9.Natalie Portman
Person in elegant gown holding an award statue, smiling in a formal setting
We all know the Academy Award-winning actress for her work in Black Swan, Jackie, and Star Wars, but Natalie Portman also has a lesser-known talent — neuroscience. Not only did she earn her bachelor’s degree from Harvard University, but she also had academic papers published in scientific journals.
Person in an elegant, floor-length gown with a fitted bodice, attending a formal event. Others are mingling in the background
10.Jennifer Tilly
Person in elegant black dress with an ornate embroidered brooch, attending an event
You’ll recognize her from Chucky, Bound, and Liar Liar, but she’s also a skilled poker player who has won many professional poker tournaments.
A woman sits at a poker table, holding chips, with other players around her
11.Lucy Liu
Person in a sleeveless, shimmering silver gown on a red carpet, smiling at the camera with photographers in the background
The award-winning actor has clearly had a successful career in the entertainment industry, but she’s also an accomplished painter. Using the name Yu Ling, Lucy Liu has painted several stunning works of art and had her own art exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore.
Person in elegant black dress with floral accents poses against a plain backdrop
12.Geena Davis
Person in patterned dress with a brown belt, attending a media event with logos in the background
You’re probably familiar with a ton of Geena Davis’s movies because she’s been in just about everything (Thelma & Louise, Beetlejuice, Stuart Little, and much more). However, you might not have been so keen on the fact that the Academy Award winner was a near Olympic-level archer. Davis tried out for the US Olympic archery team in 1999, placing 24th out of 28 in the Olympic trial semifinals.
A person wearing sporty clothing and a cap aims a bow during an archery practice session outdoors
13.Jessica Simpson
Person on stage wearing a stylish, short, black dress with a deep neckline and tied front, holding a microphone, smiling
Jessica Simpson might have initially gotten recognition for her singing and acting skills, but these days, she’s probably more known for her namesake clothing company.
Person in an elegant lace-trimmed gown with long sleeves and a jeweled cross necklace stands in front of a curtain backdrop
14.Emma Watson
A person in a black blazer with jeweled detail, stands smiling at an event with a blurred colorful backdrop
You’re probably aware that Emma Watson has had quite the career. She starred as Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and worked on several humanitarian efforts before being asked to serve as a UN Women’s Goodwill Ambassador.
Person in an elegant lace gown on a red carpet at a “Caring for Women” event with Kering Foundation signage
15.Bridgit Mendler
Person posing at an event, wearing a floral-patterned dress with a mandarin collar
You’ve likely seen the headlines, so you know Bridget Mendler has a fully-stacked resume. Most people know her from her acting and singing days on Disney Channel, but she’s now the CEO of a satellite data company. She also went to Harvard Law School, MIT, and USC. Seriously, what can’t she do?
Person sitting on a stage, wearing a patterned outfit and white knee-high boots, smiling and raising one hand. Glass of water on a table nearby
16.Venus Williams
Person in elegant black outfit with layered necklaces on a red carpet backdrop. Hair styled in an updo
The tennis champion is a household name across the world, but many don’t realize she also has a knack for interior design. Not only is she the founder of the South Florida-based interior design company V Starr, but she also cofounded Palazzo, an AI-driven interior design platform.
Person in a stylish, belted dress stands in a hotel room beside a bed with decorative pillows
Can you think of any other celebrities who belong on this list? Let me know in the comments!
.